Floristry Competition

National Floristry Training Competition

Launch for 2010

For the 10^th year, WildFlowers Australia Ltd is running a competition for floristry students. With the aim of promoting the use of Australian grown flora – both wildflowers and foliage – the competition has shown the diversity and strengths of our local flora while also flaunting the artistic designs and imagination of floral students across the continent.

Last year there were 8 professional floristry schools and TAFE colleges that participated and 132 entries were received. Cash awards were given out to 8 talented floral designers and all 2009 entries are available for viewing here obn this website, by school, as well as each of the national and state winners.

The competition has been organised so that it is simple and convenient for both students and lecturers. Judged from photographs submitted after review from Floristry lecturers, in many areas the competition is used as the format and structure of a scheduled lesson, with students doing the assigned project and submitting their creations (entries) at the end of the designated period. In other areas, the lecturers permit the students to design and complete their entry at any time before the competition ends, providing guidance and direction as needed.

This year, the competition theme is “Wedding Vows”. We specifically want students to explore the use of Australian grown wildflowers in bridal wedding bouquets and students will need to design and produce a hand-held wedding bouquet.

For the purpose of this competition, judges will be looking for specific things:

1. Integrated Flora category – In the first category a student is able to use any Australian grown wildflowers or foliage integrated with traditional or exotic flowers. The judges will be wanting to see clever use of colours and textures in the integration of our own wildflowers or foliages, with flowers that are traditionally used in bouquets (such as roses, liliums, peonies, orchids, freesias, etc.). As examples; roses with wax flower and paper daises; Australian native orchids with exotic orchids; Liliums with Australian forest greens and Gymea leaves. Ideally there is at least 30% of the bouquet made up of Australian wildflowers or foliages – but this is not a steadfast rule. We are looking for creative use of the Australian wildflowers and foliages – not necessarily quantity.

2. Australian Only category – In the second category a student uses only Australian grown wildflowers or foliages (which includes Australian grown South African Proteacea). The judges will be looking for skilful selection of different forms and textures to create uniquely Australian wedding bouquets. As examples; Banksia with Leucadendron and Flannel flowers; Native orchids with Australian forest greens; Paper daisies and wax flower; Protea with paper daisies and Gymea leaves; Serruria and Forest Greens, etc.

The full information letter to TAFE teachers, the entry form and also the marking schedule haev been sent to all schools -- however they are also included here for any persons who have not received them.

The competition is open until 1 Octover 2010.

TAFECompTutors Letter 2010.doc

TAFECompEntryform2010.doc

WILDFLOWERS AUSTRALIA marking scd2010.doc

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MAJOR SPONSOR

Eastcoast Wildflowers

Operating as both a grower and also a wholesaler, Eastcoast Wildflowers has a long reputation for supplying high quality Australian native wildflowers and foliage, as well as South African products and many other unusual products not generally available.

Active in the industry for years, promoting and educating people on the incredible diversity and range of products available, Craig Scott of Eastcoast Wildflowers has also provided all students this year with information on what products are generally available by month. The full listing is below. Don't hesitate to contact Eastcoast if you are wanting to obtain specific products on his list. Contact details are: Market Phone (02) 9325 6774 and Fax (02) 9325 6046.

Eastcoast Wildflowers Availability list.doc

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MAJOR SPONSOR

Flower Association of Queensland, Inc.

The Flower Association of Queensland Inc. (FAQI) is a non profit organisation based in Brisbane, Queensland Australia. The Association aims to further the development of the commercial cut flower and foliage industry together with the many allied businesses included in this vibrant industry. FAQI employs seven staff and is spearheaded by an industry elected Executive Committee. Benefits of belonging to FAQI include:

Strong representation under one banner
Good leads and trade enquiries
Co-ordinated promotion
Shared knowledge and networking
Whole of industry strategies

FAQI produces the Australian Flower Industry magazine for 3000 industry members including suppliers, researchers, florists and of course the primary producers that underpin the industry.

The Australian Flower Industry magazine carries news and informaton on the National Floristry competition yearly, and also publishes all winners.

To subscribe to the magazine go to www.flowersqueensland.asn.au, or fill in the attached subscription form and return to: Flower Association of Queensland Inc, PO Box 327, Cleveland, Qld 4163.

Australian Flower Indsutry Magazine subscription form.jpg

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Major Sponsor

Chrysal

Not only do flowers need water, but they also require some special care and attention. Chrysal offers tailor made products for each step of the way from harvest to vase.

For any and all information on Chrysal products contact Dr Brian Freeman, the Regional Manager for Asia Pacific on (02) 4323 7312 or at email brianchrysal@iprimus.com.au.

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MAJOR SPONSOR

Premium Greens

Premium Greens Australia and Australian Flora Corporation are the marketing arms of the “Cedar Hill Corporate Group”. Based on the Sunshine Coast in Southeast Queensland, they are Australia’s leading supplier of unique, native foliages. They also operate online for direct purchase by Australian florists and designers.

Working closely with the Australian government and various environmental agencies, they ensure all products are treated in an environmentally friendly way. One of the main aims is to develop a number of these unique products from Australian forests and adapt them to plantations for the cut flower and pot plant industry. To achieve this goal, they operate their own tissue culture laboratory and tube stock nursery dedicated to these unique species.

At present, any forest-harvested product is done so on a sustainable and environmentally sound basis, following the rigorous rules laid down by the State and Federal governments. They take great pride in knowing they are bringing the beauty of Australian forest into the homes of the world with minimal impact on our beautiful Australian environment.

For further information, or for details on how to obtain native foliages for the National Floristry Competition 2009, please contact their Domestic Sales Manager, Mark Lantry, or visit their websites - www.afc-greens.com / www.sunfloral.com.au

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